Semi-documentary: Obscene

Synopsis

"Semi-documentary: Obscene" (セミドキュメント　絶淫), directed by Norifumi Suzuki and released in 1977, is a Japanese pink film blending documentary-style storytelling with erotic drama. The movie explores the complexities of human sexuality and societal taboos through a semi-fictional narrative centered around Yuki Minami's character, capturing the provocative mood of 1970s Japan's adult cinema. Its style combines graphic imagery with pseudo-documentary elements, aiming to present an unfiltered look at the erotic undercurrents of urban life. The film is noted for its raw and candid portrayal of intimate relationships, pushing the boundaries of censorship during its time. "Semi-documentary: Obscene" offers viewers a visually striking and thought-provoking experience within the pink film genre.

Cast

• Yuki Minami

• 

  Hiroko Fuji

• 

  Shinji Kubo

• Rika Minase

• Rie Nakano

• Mariko Kitazawa

Reviews

Critical reception for "Semi-documentary: Obscene" remains limited due to its niche genre and the era's restricted distribution outside Japan, resulting in scarce mainstream reviews. However, within the pink film and cult cinema communities, the movie has garnered a mixed response. IMDb ratings reflect a modest appreciation, with users noting its historical significance in the evolution of erotic Japanese cinema, though some criticize its narrative coherence and pacing. The film holds an average rating around 5.5/10 on IMDb, indicating moderate enjoyment primarily from fans of the genre. Reviews from specialized film forums acknowledge Norifumi Suzuki's direction as bold and innovative, praising the unvarnished, documentary-like approach that adds authenticity to its explicit content. Conversely, some critics highlight its dated production values and fragmented storyline as detracting from the overall impact. Due to the scarcity of entries on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, "Semi-documentary: Obscene" is predominantly appreciated in retro and academic circles for its cultural and cinematic context rather than mainstream acclaim.